World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025 - Highlights from Journal of Ovarian Research
Published in Cancer, Sustainability, and General & Internal Medicine
The global community comes together to observe World Ovarian Cancer Day (WOCD) on 8th May each year, to raise global awareness about ovarian cancer, a disease that is often diagnosed at a late stage due to its vague symptoms and lack of effective early screening. The day aims to support those affected, promote education about the disease, and advocate for improved diagnosis, treatment, and funding for research.
The Importance of WOCD
Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" because its symptoms (such as bloating, abdominal pain, or urinary issues) are subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions. As a result, about 70% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to lower survival rates. When caught early, ovarian cancer has a significantly higher survival rate. Awareness events such as the yearly WOCD campaign can help women recognise warning signs sooner.
Unlike other cancers such as cervical or breast cancer, ovarian cancer currently has no reliable screening method, which makes being aware of its symptoms all the more vital. The day also fosters community support for patients and survivors, while encouraging governments and organisations to prioritise funding for research and better care.
World Ovarian Cancer Day unites people across countries to share stories, wear the colour teal (symbolising ovarian cancer awareness), and amplify the message that more must be done. Check out the main campaign site for more information.
Highlights from Journal of Ovarian Research
Journal of Ovarian Research is an open access, peer reviewed journal that aims to provide a forum for high-quality basic and clinical research on ovarian function, abnormalities, and cancer. The journal focuses on research that provides new insights into ovarian functions as well as prevention and treatment of diseases afflicting the organ. We aim to provide a dedicated platform for researchers and clinicians to exchange knowledge, accelerate progress in early detection and personalised therapies, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.
Articles
The diagnostic performance of CA-125 for the detection of ovarian cancer in women from different ethnic groups: a cohort study of English primary care data
The first study of its kind, this article reveals that the diagnostic performance of CA-125 differed for women from different ethnicities. The findings suggest that while ethnicity-specific thresholds could improve specificity and positive predictive values (PPVs), they may also reduce sensitivity, particularly for Asian and Black women.
A comprehensive comparison of PARP inhibitors as maintenance therapy in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
PARP inhibitors (PARPis) have shown promising potential in treating ovarian cancer, particularly in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (PSROC). This systematic review and network meta-analysis assessed four PARPis, providing a comprehensive evaluation of their effectiveness and safety, and found whilst all four significantly increased progression-free survival (PFS), they also increased the incidence of adverse effects.
Ovarian cancer and the heart: pathophysiology, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and new therapeutic strategies
Whilst treatment strategies for ovarian cancer have advanced, certain drugs like doxorubicin (DOX) pose significant cardiotoxic risks. This review discusses alternative strategies and suggests phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) show promise in reducing cardiotoxicity and enhancing cancer cell apoptosis, although their direct impact on ovarian cancer requires further investigation.
Image credit: Nair et al, 2025. J Ovarian Res 18, 72
Collections
Extracellular vesicles
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of cell-derived vesicles mediating the intercellular crosstalk. In this collection, we highlight the role of EVs in ovarian biology and pathobiology, targeting of their biogenesis and functions for therapeutic gain, and their potential utility in biomarker development and as drug delivery systems.
Nanotechnological Approaches for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Targeted therapies utilising nanotechnology have begun to receive recognition as cutting-edge and extremely promising therapeutic approaches. These treatments have the potential to be innovative and effective ways to enhance patients' quality of life, and they could offer hope to medical professionals searching for fresh treatment targets. This collection discusses the latest progress on novel and targeted nano-therapy and its underlying mechanism, including the diagnosis and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Microbiome in Reproductive Health, Dysfunction, and Cancer
In recent years, the microbiome, particularly within the gut, has emerged as an endocrine organ capable of impacting human health and disease. This collection aims to provide an updated view of the link between microbiome, reproductive health, and ovarian disorders, including ovarian cancer.
Image credit: Svetlana Madjunkova (Created with BioRender.com).
Conclusion
To advocate, fundraise, organise an event, and access social media resources, visit the official website for World Ovarian Cancer Day.
Discover previous campaigns of curated articles, blogs and collections from Journal of Ovarian Research here.
Before joining Springer Nature in 2021, Tamara completed an MBio in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Warwick and now manages a portfolio of women's and reproductive health journals. She also chairs the Springer Nature SDG3 group.
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Journal of Ovarian Research
This is an open access, peer reviewed, online journal that aims to provide a forum for high-quality basic and clinical research on ovarian function, abnormalities, and cancer.
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Stem Cells in Ovarian and Tubal Biology: Defining their Roles in Fertility and Disorders
The potential contributions of “stem cells” to ovarian and tubal biology are becoming more apparent with time. Whether they be embryonic or adult stem cells, be of a “normal” cell lineage or cells that have acquired stem-like properties (i.e., cancer stem cells), these unique cells can positively or negatively impact ovarian and tubal homeostasis. Stem cells of the ovary and tube include germ cells, cells that evolve to become thecal or granulosa of the follicle, stromal or epithelial cells of the ovary, and the oviduct.
The dynamic nature of these individual reproductive structures and their collective cellular subtypes suggests that the functional contributions of their unique stem cells will be equally diverse and complex. Their contributions in maintaining the cyclic changes associated with the development/maturation of the oocyte or follicle, response to injury (i.e., wound healing of the ovarian surface epithelium in response to ovulation or luteal development in response to an LH surge, etc.), or seeding the microenvironment of the oviduct allowing for the bidirectional activity of germ cells have yet to be fully explored. Additionally, stem cells or cells that take on stem-like properties likely play a role in the pathology of the ovary or tube, giving rise to benign and or malignant tumors.
A better understanding of the contributions of these specialized cells may prove helpful in maintaining fertility as well as the prevention and or treatment of aberrant/malignant conditions. The proposed focused issue seeks to compile reviews, original scientific reports, and commentaries, centralizing the most recent knowledge of ovarian and tubal stem cells for our audience.
We are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or contact the Editor-in-Chief.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Jun 23, 2026
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I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all those who contributed to the publication and dissemination of this scientific work. Your efforts in sharing knowledge and supporting scientific research are truly commendable and play a vital role in advancing the academic community.